
Nina
@Nina Ptier
French expat in Belgium
About me
French
Speaks French, English and Spanish.
Registration: 11 June 2025
Articles written or translated by Nina

Buying real estate in Brussels remains more affordable than in most major European capitals. The Belgian real estate market, in general, still offers good opportunities, and investing can be interesting if you plan to stay long-term. As is often the case in Belgium, the processes involve a certain amount of bureaucracy: here is the essential knowledge to navigate the Brussels and Belgian market.
13 November 2025
Brussels is a wonderful city to live and work in. Consequently, it has a lot to offer students, whether it is an Erasmus experience or a long-term study program. There are many different universities with a variety of different courses to choose from. Courses are offered in French, Dutch, and English, and you can always take a language course alongside your study program. This guide will tell you almost everything you need to know about studying in Brussels.
13 November 2025
Brussels, a multicultural city and the seat of major European institutions such as the EU or NATO, offers a stimulating and diverse professional environment. However, the market is very competitive and often requires proficiency in several languages (French, English, Dutch). For non-Europeans, specific procedures are necessary before arrival. Here's a comprehensive overview to effectively navigate the Brussels work world.
13 November 2025
Real estate in Belgium is reputed to be relatively cheaper than in its European neighbors. Here are some useful tips on what you need to know before buying real estate in Belgium.
13 November 2025
A cosmopolitan and vibrant city, Antwerp attracts residents from all over the world. Whether you are arriving to study, work, or simply start a new life, this city with its rich heritage is sure to charm you. Here are our tips to help you find the ideal accommodation in the diamond capital.
13 November 2025
The economic capital of northern Belgium, Antwerp attracts expatriates with its dynamism, international openness, and the diversity of its sectors. Between its globally renowned port, its diamond industry, its fashion and creative scene, and its strength in logistics and chemistry, it offers plentiful career opportunities. Whether you come from Europe or elsewhere, it is certainly possible to settle here for work, provided you are familiar with the procedures, promising sectors, and realities of the local market. Our guide is here to help you.
13 November 2025
Belgium is actively committed to environmental protection through regional and national policies aligned with the European carbon neutrality goals by 2050. Each region develops its own plans to preserve biodiversity, improve air quality, manage waste sustainably, and encourage more ecological mobility. This article presents the main actions and initiatives for a more environmentally friendly lifestyle in Belgium.
13 November 2025
Belgium, a country located in the heart of Europe, is distinguished by its cultural richness and linguistic diversity. This multicultural nation is home to multiple communities, each contributing its own element to the Belgian mosaic. However, diversity is not limited to cultural and linguistic differences. Belgium also strives to promote diversity and inclusion in all its forms through its public policies, associations, and citizen-led initiatives.
13 November 2025
Here is a selection of useful contacts to facilitate your settlement and your daily life in Belgium. This list covers the main public services, emergencies, banks, operators, and reference organizations.
13 November 2025
In case of an accident or emergency, knowing the right reflexes and useful numbers can make all the difference, especially when living abroad. This article explains how to react in the face of an emergency in Belgium: which numbers to dial, how medical services, the police, and firefighters operate, and which steps to follow in case of a road accident, along with a few simple actions that can save lives while awaiting rescue.
13 November 2025
Belgium is a diverse country, very welcoming to newcomers. What about its traditions, festivals, and way of life? This article shows you what to expect during your expatriation to Belgium.
13 November 2025
Whether you need a landline, a mobile plan, or a broadband Internet connection, Belgium offers a wide range of operators and packages. This article explains the procedures, necessary documents, expected costs, and options to bundle your services and save.
13 November 2025
Belgium has a wide range of means of transportation, from bicycles and cars to developed networks of trams, buses, metro, and trains. The infrastructure is generally reliable and well-organized, whether for urban, regional, or international travel. This article presents the main options for getting around in Belgium, their specifics, and some practical tips to make the most of them.
13 November 2025
In Belgium, sport plays a significant role in everyday life, supported by a vast network of sports infrastructures. From football, the national sport, to cycling, running, swimming, or skiing, everyone can find an activity that suits them. This article presents the most popular sports, major events, sports news, as well as opportunities to practice or join a club.
13 November 2025
Moving to Belgium is not something to be done without preparation: it's better to be ready for each step to ensure everything goes smoothly. From choosing an international mover to customs procedures, including insurance, inventory, and waybill, this article guides you step-by-step to successfully settle in whether you are coming from an EU country or abroad.
13 November 2025
If you decide to move to Belgium and you have a pet, you will probably want to bring it with you. Here are the rules that apply when you travel to Belgium with a pet. For the purposes of this article, the term "pet" will only apply to dogs, cats, and ferrets.
13 November 2025
Finding a place to live is one of the key first steps when moving to Belgium. Our practical guide introduces you to everything you need to know about the Belgian real estate market: where to settle depending on the spoken language, how to search for housing effectively, the different types of properties and leases, rules regarding rent, guarantees, and inventory of fixtures. The goal: to help you approach this stage with confidence.
13 November 2025
This article details all the international schools where you can enroll your children in Belgium. If you are interested in French schools in Belgium, we also have an article dedicated to them.
13 November 2025
The quality of healthcare becomes essential with age. In this article, you will find all the current information to understand the Belgian senior healthcare system, the available assistance, and care options at home or in facilities.
13 November 2025
Whether you are considering a first pregnancy or trying to expand your family, it is important to know the options available to you. If you are an expatriate, certain procedures and services may differ from what you are familiar with. From medical follow-up to different ways of giving birth, and including the legal framework of abortion, discover the essentials for best preparing your pregnancy in Belgium, with an overview of the particularities according to the regions.
13 November 2025
Whether you are considering buying a new or used car in Belgium, certain procedures are unavoidable. This article guides you step-by-step: formalities before and after the purchase, essential documents, taxes and insurance, as well as the steps to obtain your license plate.
10 November 2025
Are you planning a trip to Belgium? Whether for a short stay or expatriation, certain administrative procedures are unavoidable. Do you need a visa? How to get to Belgium? By road, plane, or train? In this article, Expat.com guides you step by step to travel easily to the heart of Europe.
10 November 2025
Want to explore Belgium while working to fund your stay? The working holiday visa (WHV) might be just for you! This visa allows you to live in Belgium for up to 12 months, travel at your own pace, and find casual jobs on the spot. In this article, we explain everything: eligibility conditions, steps to follow, documents to provide, and essential preparations before departure.
10 November 2025
Are you planning to move to Belgium and start a new professional adventure? Great idea! Just know that, depending on your nationality, a work permit might be necessary. If you come from the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, good news: no permit is required, thanks to the freedom of movement principle. You can settle, look for a job, and start without any particular formalities.
10 November 2025
In order to step onto Belgian soil, it is very likely that you will need a visa, even if it's for a brief stay. This also means that if you want to make Belgium your new country of residence, you will certainly need a visa to enter and stay legally. It can sometimes be confusing to try to navigate the different types of visas available for Belgium. In this article, we will show you which ones and how to obtain them.
10 November 2025
If you plan to live long-term in Belgium, it will be preferable to open a bank account. Not only will you need a bank account to deposit your paychecks, but it will also be very practical for saving money in anticipation of big purchases and certain emergencies.
06 October 2023
Interested in doing an internship in Belgium? Whether it's to complete your studies or experience your first international adventure, the country has a lot to offer. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know: types of internships, procedures to follow, available assistance, agreements, duration, remuneration, and social coverage. This will help you be well-prepared for an enriching adventure in the heart of Europe.
06 October 2023
As an expat in Belgium, you are also affected by the local tax system. Resident or non-resident, some taxes will need to be paid. Here is the essential information you need to understand your tax obligations.
05 October 2023
When moving abroad, seeking healthcare in a new country can quickly become a source of stress. Good news: Belgium has an excellent healthcare system that is accessible, reliable, and well-structured. In this article, you will discover how the health insurance works, what it covers, which steps to take upon arrival, and how to get reimbursed after your medical care.
03 October 2023
Every year, Belgium attracts thousands of students thanks to its high-quality educational system, affordable fees, and central location in Europe. Whether you aim for a French-speaking, Flemish, or English-speaking university, this guide explains how to move to Belgium for your studies.
03 October 2023
Thanks to its geographical location at the heart of Europe, Belgium remains one of the most attractive countries for launching your business. If you are considering starting your business by settling in Belgium, here is everything you need to know to start smoothly.
02 October 2023
If you are moving to Belgium, it's important to know the rules and procedures related to driving. This article explains how to obtain or convert a driver's license, the existing categories, the functioning of exams, as well as the essential traffic rules: speed limits, mandatory equipment, parking, and the rights of cyclists and pedestrians.
29 September 2023